Bae: ‘I’m trying to hit in the gap more’
He hopes new swing, versatility will result in spot for opening day roster
BRADENTON, Fla. — While Ji Hwan Bae was thrilled to have spent the bulk of the 2023 season in the major leagues, the 24-yearold utility man was far from pleased with his output.
There were moments of flash, such as his walk-off homer against the Astros in early April, his team-best 24 stolen bases and his handful of dazzling catches in the field. But there were also plenty of struggles, especially at the plate.
Bae had earned his spot on the opening day roster thanks to his versatility in the field, but there were plenty of ups and downs throughout his rookie campaign. Following a fair opening month of the season and a strong showing in May, Bae went ice cold in June, hitting just .159 in 24 games. His production failed to improve for the remainder of the year, resulting in two demotions to Triple-A.
Heading into the offseason, Bae understood that his focus had to be in the batter’s box. While his speed and positional versatility certainly provide value, they are all but useless if he cannot consistently hit the baseball. Changes had to be made, which, for Bae, started with how he swung the bat.
“I’m trying to hit in the gap more, that’s the goal,” Bae said. “Mechanically, I’ve been working my head
behind the ball.”
After reviewing some film, Bae learned that his swing in 2023 was not matching up well against major league velocity. To adjust, he had to make a few tweaks, starting from the ground up.
“My natural movement is moving forward,” Bae explained. “As the ball is coming, I’m jumping toward the pitcher, and I’m losing a little bit of time because of that.”
“I think, like a lot of our young players, they saw last year what the big leagues is and how you have to adjust to it,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton added. “He did a nice job going away this winter, taking the things he felt he needed to adjust, we felt he needed to adjust, and then to be able to translate that in.”
Upon arrival to Florida for spring training, Bae learned he would again have opportunities to play at both second base and center field. Bae claims to have no preference, but looking over his team’s roster, there is one clear path for him to become an everyday player in 2024.
With Jack Suwinski expected once again to anchor the middle of the Pirates’ outfield, Bae’s best chance for consistent playing time is at second base. To win the starting job, he must outperform Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales and Liover
Peguero — who are each in the mix for the one open infield spot.
Although each member of the four-man group boasts a different skillset, Bae has the most big league experience among the group, albeit by only 50 to 80 games. With expectations far higher than in previous years, Bae understands there will be less patience for his development in the show. Now is the time for him to prove that he belongs.
“Obviously, I gained a lot of confidence, but there’s also a bit of pressure,” Bae said through team translator Daniel Park. “I know I need to be better than I was last year.”
How is he handling the pressure so far?
“I like it,” he said with a smile.